Chapter 20

Helena

The phone slipsfrom my trembling fingers, Raphael’s warm chuckle fading abruptly with the broken connection. My shoulder pressing the device to my ear keeps me upright, where I slump weakly against the hallway bricks. Mortar digs into my back, but I barely register it, too consumed with self-recriminations barraging all my defenses.

So much for retaining tatters of dignity and not crawling desperately back to him again. Raphael’s anxious texts regarding my welfare were impossible to ignore. For days, I forced myself to pretend disinterest, hoping it might ease us both back from this all-consuming obsession that threatens to override our better judgements.

And yet, my willpower crumbled minutes ago, when I heard his voice on the other end of the line. Nothing erases the searing imprint of his relief at simply hearing my voice. Even my attempts at casual conversation couldn’t hide the joy we both felt at just being able to talk to each other again. We chat effortlessly about mundane things, trying to ignore the conflict that casts a grim shadow over our entwined futures.

Fates entangle capriciously, indeed. Just last week, I was wandering through these halls aimless, hesitant about my forthcoming wedding. But now, sheer bliss and despair collide inside me as I realize how much I love Raphael. A simple phone call has shattered all my certainties and I am completely undone.

The emotions within me are wild and untamed, breaking free from any restraint. Logic and reason are tossed aside as I give in to the temptation that grips me. I should resist, for this is not who I am—cool, collected, and in control. What demon would crave tender hours wrapped in an angel’s arms, learning intimately every hollow and scar until shape only perfects against him? To bask treasuring his sly wit and golden spirit, sheltered from the world raging outside? Only a fool, clearly.

Raphael makes me feel beyond just a physical connection or a strategic game. Time fades away when I’m with him, leaving only the warmth and security of my angel’s embrace. The freedom from self-doubt and loathing is intoxicating, making me unable to resist this all-encompassing love that I never thought possible. I am bound to him, in a state of blissful surrender.

Rounding the corner towards the club epicenter, music pulses louder, rattling sinuses and nerves alike. I guess the chaotic ambiance suits my inner turmoil.

It’s Speed Dating night, and that means scores of people will arrive, ready to forget their dreary lives in temporary artificial joy. The promised exotic theme guarantees even more elite clientele mingling through the DeLux this evening. I can already scent power and greed over the cloying perfumes and cologne announcing the crowds grown arrogant with self-delusion.

My lips twist into a wry smile as I enter the main floor. The crimson light casts flattering shadows, masking the dark desires that lurk within countless souls. The pulsing beat of the music urges them to give in to their primal instincts, and they do so willingly. Bodies entwine with purpose, but few can tell the difference between love’s glamour and the raw desire stoked by tonight’s special entertainment... Eve and Affie have tailored the event to perfection. I bet my uncle is pleased with their high-level mischief.

My attention is snagged suddenly by movement within the enclosure, as if I had conjured the devil himself. Lucifer lounges a few feet away; he gestures towards me lazily and I sense his order without needing to hear any words. The hangers-on scatter gracelessly, clutching their greed close in fear of his caprice. But even in their necessary groveling, I can’t help but curl my lip in distaste. Have some dignity at least! No prize is worth demeaning yourself before a tyrant who offers only cold oblivion... even if he is the greatest uncle in the world.

Lucifer’s arms stretch out in welcome as I draw near, his smirk filled with malefic amusement. “My darling!” he purrs.

I move through the crowd, and just before I reach Lucifer’s table, I spot a familiar well-built figure sitting beside my uncle. My blood stirs at the sight of his chiseled features. I’d recognize that elegant profile anywhere, and my blood responds instinctively to his presence.

Kane.

Lucifer says something and Kane throws his head back in malevolent amusement, oblivious to my approach.

Why is Morningstar’s infamous enforcer here tonight? Surely, it can’t be for some mundane task, reducing his immortal reputation to that of a mere errand boy. My blood runs cold as I watch their easy camaraderie, knowing that fiend is betraying my uncle... If it rested in my power, I would unleash the Hounds of Hell to make him pay for what he’s done.

“Have you met my favorite niece in all Creation?” Lucifer asks as I slip into the VIP lounge.

Kane’s feline gaze snaps to mine. I hold my breath as every inch of me goes taut in silent anger. My muscles tremble with the need to strike out at this lying, thieving bastard. Uncle throws us a puzzled look, noticing the sparks between us—but they’re not the good kind. All I can think about is how he’s stolen from us and how Uphir will surely rain down punishment on him soon. Lucifer notices my reaction and furrows his brow in confusion, but I can’t bring myself to care. All I see is red, fueled by my rage towards Kane.

Keep it together, Helena!

I command myself to hide any signs of panic or fear as Kane’s sharp gaze remains locked on me. I can see the frustration growing on my uncle’s face as he taps his elegant fingers against the table. His usually bored expression now marred by a thunderous scowl.

Kane’s voice fills the room, smooth and seductive, as he rises from the leather settee and straightens his jacket with practiced ease. “Of course. We’ve met,” he says, garnet eyes taking in my appearance with a hint of delight. “Gorgeous as ever in crimson’s glow, Miss Morningstar.”

My heart races as his rumbling voice brushes against me, making my loose hair dance too intimately. I can feel my adrenaline spike as I instinctively move out of his reach.

But as Lucifer’s attention is diverted by a minion, Kane inches closer, the words flowing effortlessly from his lips. “Glaring hardly suits you,” he whispers in the lowest of voices, one eyebrow arched in question. He draws back slightly before continuing, “Why not join me for a drink instead?” His tone is laced with charm and persuasion, making it hard for me to reject the offer.

Time seems to freeze. I am trapped, unable to decide on the wisest path to escape this audience of danger. I know I should flee from the impending confrontation. Hell will break loose if I have to sit here and face this beast a minute longer.

“Why Kane,” I say with a coy smile, “what a lovely offer. But I shouldn’t let it distract me from my current business.”

As I speak, Kane’s hand drifts up to brush my chest, his fingers closing around the antique key pendant hanging from my neck. He traces the intricate metalwork idly, the intimacy of his bold action making my pulse speed up nervously.

I force myself to remain still, watching through veiled eyes as his thumb strokes over the engraved symbols. After a tense moment, his hand falls away again, smug amusement playing about his lips.

“Nonsense,” he replies smoothly. “Lucifer won’t mind if I borrow you for a while. I’m sure I’ll prove far more entertaining than those tedious ledgers and figures.”

My laughter is brittle. “Oh, they could never compete with your infamous charms...” I trail off, fidgeting under his intense scrutiny. “Tempting as your offer is, I’m afraid I’m expected elsewhere.”

“Elsewhere?” he echoes. Kane’s arrogance is casual, but I know better than to trust him. “Mm... What keeps you busy after hours, I wonder?” This last bit he purrs most mischievously.

“Come away, Kane! Let the poor demoness go,” Uncle Luci says with a fiendish chuckle. “You and I have business to attend to.” With a wink, dear Uncle Lucifer waves me the exit pass I desperately needed.

I slip away from the danger zone with ease, making sure to stay out of Lucifer’s sight and any other potential threats. It’s time to meet my handsome archangel and finally start speaking the truth for once.